Whether you are new to the world of jewelry or you’ve been around it for a while, there are certain terms, phrases, abbreviations and acronyms you’ve likely seen. GIA stands for Gemological Institute of America, CZ is shorthand for cubic zirconia, and "K" refers to the purity of gold (karats) in an alloy. But what about “TW” or “CT TW?” If you’re left stumped on this jewelry trivia question, don’t worry. You’ll learn everything you need to know about “TW” and “CT TW” below.
What Does TW or CT TW Mean?
When shopping for new jewelry, you will see various measurements displayed about the specifications of the piece, many of which may sound the same. TW and CT TW are very close in their definitions, but crucial differences exist. Learning these differences can equip you with the necessary knowledge to make informed purchasing decisions. Here are some of the top acronyms to know when shopping for a new jewelry piece:
- TW: TW stands for “total weight." However, it is not the total weight of the entire piece of jewelry. Instead, the weight being quantified here is the total weight of all gemstones included in a jewelry piece.
- CT TW: CT TW stands for “carat total weight” and represents the total weight, in carats, of all diamonds in a piece of jewelry. It does not include the weight of other non-diamond gemstones (nor the weight of any metal on the piece either).
- DTW: “Diamond total weight” represents the same measurement as “CT TW,” the combined total weight of all diamonds in a piece of jewelry. These two terms may be used interchangeably.
- ct: Short for carat, ct signifies the weight of an individual gemstone and is used for diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, pearls, opals, topaz, garnet and more.
How Does Carat Total Weight Differ from Carat Weight?
Whether you are actively looking to buy or sell some diamond jewelry or you’re simply interested in expanding your jewelry knowledge, understanding the difference between carat total weight (CT TW) and carat weight (usually listed as “ct”) is important so you can know exactly what you are purchasing.
While CT TW represents the combined weight of all the diamonds in a piece of jewelry, ct is only ever used to state the weight of one singular gemstone. For example, a ring containing three diamonds might have a carat total weight (CT TW) of 0.50, but each diamond could weigh 0.17 carats, listed as 0.17ct. For the math enthusiasts, 0.50 CT TW = 0.17ct + 0.17ct + 0.17ct (which, technically equals .51 CT TW, but you get the picture!).
Does the Carat Total Weight Matter?
Yes, the carat total weight (CT TW) of gemstones in jewelry does matter, but it's not the only factor to consider. While a higher CT TW generally indicates larger and more valuable stones, other factors like cut, clarity and color also help determine a piece's overall quality and value. A well-cut gemstone with good clarity and color can be more valuable than a larger stone with lower-quality characteristics. The jewelry's setting and design can also influence its perceived value. Therefore, when evaluating jewelry, it's important to consider the combination of all these factors, not just the TW or CT TW.
Important Facts About a Ring’s Total Carat Weight (CT TW)
- The measurement doesn’t include all gemstones. Although previously stated, this differentiation bears repeating: the total carat weight (CT TW) of a piece of jewelry does not include the carat weight of all gemstones present—only its diamonds. For example, if you have a ring with a big diamond center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds and rubies, the ring’s TW would be the sum of all the gemstones’ individual carat weights. The CT TW would be the sum of all the diamonds’ carat weights (the center diamond’s carat weight plus the smaller diamonds’ carat weights). The weight of the rubies would not be included in the CT TW value.
- A higher CT TW doesn’t always mean the diamond is better. A higher CT TW (carat total weight) doesn’t always equate to superior diamonds. While larger diamonds are often desired, it is only one of the 4Cs in the 4C grading system, and the other 3Cs can play a significant role in what makes one diamond better than another:
- The quality of the cut. Well-cut diamonds can maximize brilliance and fire, making them more valuable than poorly cut diamonds, even if their CT TW is lower.
- The clarity of the diamonds. Diamonds with fewer inclusions (internal flaws) are generally considered more valuable. However, some inclusions may be so slight that they are not visible to the naked eye and do not significantly affect the diamond's appearance.
- The color of the diamonds. The color of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (yellowish). Colorless diamonds are generally considered the most valuable, but slight color variations can be acceptable, especially in larger stones.
- CT TW is used for both lab-created and mined diamonds. Whether a diamond is mined from the earth or created in a lab, its weight is measured in carats, and the combined weight of all diamonds in a piece of jewelry is expressed in CT TW. This standardized measurement ensures consistent comparison and evaluation of diamonds, regardless of origin.
Additional Tidbits When Considering TW and CT TW in Jewelry
Just when you think you’ve learned everything about the total weight and carat weight of jewelry, there’s more! Here are a few additional tidbits to complete your jewelry acronym education!
- If you purchase earrings, the weight of both earrings in a set will be combined in its CT TW value.
- You’ve learned about a piece of jewelry’s total weight and carat total weight, but what about the weight of the whole piece? The weight of an entire piece of jewelry is known as its gross weight total, or GWT, and it includes the weight of all gemstones, metals, etc.
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